AB8192A67F62E327872582400077DB72 Hearing Summary

Representatives Hansen and McKean, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1235, concerning the continuation of the regulation of custom meat processors.  The bill continues the regulation of custom meat processing in the Department of Agriculture, which is scheduled to repeal on July 1, 2018.  In addition the bill authorizes licensed poultry processors who process more than 1,000 but less than 20,000 birds per year, to sell poultry to retail food establishments and individuals.  Representative Hansen distributed Amendment L.001 [Attachment C], which changes the future sunset review date from September 1, 2031, to September 1, 2023.

Representative Lewis distributed a map of Colorado House District 64, which indicates the location of beef producers in the area [Attachment D]. Committee discussion ensued.

Hollis Glenn, Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Glenn responded to questions from the committee.

Alexander Funk, National Young Farmers Coalition, testified in support of the bill and distributed a letter in support of the bill from Dan Waldvogle of the National Young Farmers Coalition [Attachment E].

Alan Lewis, Natural Grocers, testified in support of the bill.

Bill Midcap, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill.

Karen Kalavity, representing herself, testified in a neutral position to the bill and discussed her concerns with the meat processing industry.